A resume is a critical part of one’s job search, even with the rise of networking and social media. Creating a standout resume will help separate you from other candidates and give a physical copy of your career experiences to the hiring team to refer back to. There are various aspects that contribute to a standout resume, as highlighted in this post.
One of the most important factors job candidates can consider when it comes to submitting their resumes is the importance of keywords. Using an ATS system, which is used to collect and analyze resumes, can help prevent the hiring manager from viewing applications that don’t meet the company’s job criteria. In order to combat this issue, you should make sure that your resume is focused on the position that you are applying for and that the appropriate keywords are used in it.
You can also include a core competencies section that lists all of the skills that you have that are required for the position. This will help you highlight these skills in a way that the hiring manager can quickly locate, especially if using an ATS system.
Most hiring managers don’t want to read your job duties. Instead, they want to see concrete examples of how your skills and experience would be beneficial to the company. This is why it’s important to highlight relevant experiences in your resume and what you have accomplished in previous roles.
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to writing a resume is the use of the correct language. It’s always important to use strong action words to describe your accomplishments and roles. This will make you sound confident and provide the hiring manager with valuable information.
Another vital factor that you should consider is the accuracy of your cover letter and resume. If the hiring manager sees a mistake in your writing, they will likely immediately reject your application, as this shows a lack of professionality. When it comes to reviewing your resume for grammatical errors, an extra eye is always helpful.
Applying these resume practices the next time you are in the midst of a job search can help you stand out from other candidates and avoid wasting anyone’s time. Taking these professional steps before applying will pay off in the long haul.